Adult Eczema

There are some types of eczema that typically only affect adults, although occasionally they occur in kids, too. They include:

• Hand eczema: Red, scaly skin on the palms is called hand eczema. It’s often job-related and more common among people who frequently wash their hands. As many as one in three nurses have the condition.
• Occupational dermatitis: This occurs in about 5 percent of men and 10 percent of women who are exposed to something in the workplace that irritates their skin, or to which they are allergic. About 60 percent of cases of occupational dermatitis occur in five occupations: housekeeper, bricklayer, metal or mechanical industry worker, hairdresser and health care worker. Others at high risk include people who handle chemicals or other substances at work, such as food industry personnel, maintenance workers, and florists. If possible, people should avoid the substance that causes the problem, or use protection such as gloves. Sometimes, gloves can be cause of the problem. Your dermatologist can tell you which type of gloves to use to avoid a flare-up.
• Neurodermatitis: This is perhaps the itchiest of all types of eczema. Irritated nerve endings in the skin cause neurodermatitis. Anything from insect bites to emotional stress can cause this irritation. It most often occurs on the lower legs, ankles, back, sides of the neck, wrists, forearms, and genitals among adults 30 years to 50 years old.
• Nummular dermatitis: This eczema looks like coin-shaped, scaly patches on the skin and often appears after an injury to the skin, such as a burn, scrape, or insect bite. It is more common in men than in women.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This type of eczema results in oily, waxy patches that often appear on the scalp and face. It most often occurs in babies, sometimes kids, and in people 40 and older. The best treatment is a medicated dandruff shampoo that is used under the direction of your dermatologist. The shampoo may help treat other affected areas, too.
• Stasis dermatitis: This occurs in people who have poor circulation, often in their legs. The buildup of fluid causes the legs to swell and the fluid eventually breaks down the skin. The best way to treat it is by improving circulation. Wearing compression stockings and elevating the legs above the heart when sitting and sleeping can help, too.

Although there is no cure for eczema, several treatments are available. They vary depending on the type of eczema and how severe it is. The most common include:

• Moisturizers.
• Topical corticosteroids and tars to ease the itch.
• Topical immune modulators to calm the immune system.
• Antibiotics to clear skin infections.
• Phototherapy or light therapy.
• Oral corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil to suppress the immune system; they may be tried when all else fails.
• Topical keratolytic to treat skin that has become thickened due to repeated scratching.
• Sedative or tranquilizers to help sufferers’ anxiety, as well as get some sleep.

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